4. Conclusion
Cross-linking of FC, SA, and COSs using EDC is an effective means of obtaining a synergy of the beneficial properties of all compounds to better mimic the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of skin tissue. A 3D FCA scaffold fabricated via freeze drying and subsequent EDC cross-linking were reinforced by additional COS cross-links.After cross-linking with COSs, all FCA/COS scaffolds were characterized by superior interconnected porous architecture that had pore size ranging between 160 and 260 m and porosity greater than 90%. However, the introduction of COSs notably improved the mechanical property while reducing biodegradation, in line with the MWs of COSs. In addition, excellent water uptake
and retention capacities with marginal reductions from FCA/COS1 to FCA/COS4 indicate that FCA/COS scaffolds can be used in the application of skin tissue regeneration. The biological response of the NHDF-neo cells to FCA/COS scaffolds exhibited improved cell adhesion and proliferation than on pure FCA scaffolds, and the FCA/COS1 scaffoldexhibitedthe best cellular compatibility,indicating the cellular induction effect of COSs on the scaffolds. Overall,the comprehensive physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties suggestthatthe FCA/COS1 scaffold is a superior candidate for
skin tissue-engineering application.